Brodie Van Wagenen introduced as 13th GM of the Mets, addresses Jacob deGrom's future and vows to build a team New York will be proud of

By Daily News Sports Staff

Oct 30, 2018 | 2:45 PM

Vowing to build a championship roster, Brodie Van Wagenen was introduced Tuesday as the 13th general manager in Mets history.

“We will win now. We will win in the future,” Van Wagenen said. “We’re going to develop a winning culture and a winning mindset, and we will deliver this city and this fanbase a team they can be proud of.”

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Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, who introduced Van Wagenen at Citi Field, said the Mets have set aside money to beef up their scouting, player development and analytics departments.

Van Wagenen, who left behind a successful career as a sports agent — including representing seven current Mets — paid tribute to Sandy Alderson as he took to the podium to address the media for the first time as GM.

“It’s humbling to stand here today as I try to follow in his footsteps,” Van Wagenen said.

New York Mets new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen meets the press on Tuesday at Citi Field. (Frank Franklin II / AP)

“I believe Jacob deGrom is an incredible talent and I hope to keep him for a long time.”

Van Wagenen made waves over the summer when he told the Mets to either extend deGrom’s contract or trade him.

"I hope to keep him for a long time.”

Brodie Van Wagenen on Jacob deGrom

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When asked if he would be involved in negotiating directly with deGrom and other former clients of him, Wilpon jumped in to say that the organization put provisions in Van Wagenen’s contract to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest.

Van Wagenen added that he received “a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support” from his clients about making the move to the Mets front office.

He also said Mickey Callaway will return as Mets skipper.

“I view Mickey as a tremendously positive person,” Van Wagenen said.

Van Wagenen, who reportedly received a four-year deal from the Mets, is an unconventional hire as he was the co-head of CAA’s baseball division.

“I haven’t seen my dad this excited about a hire that we’ve made in a long time,” Wilpon said.